On March 22, Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis and mentors and student mentees of the Women's Leadership Council traveled to Albany to meet with elected officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Speaker of the State Assembly (and Stony Brook University alum) Carl Heastie, to have robust conversations on their backgrounds, the challenges they face in their positions, and the status of the state budget negotiations. The day began with a breakfast discussion with Stony Brook University alumni and Assemblymembers Steve Englebright, Kimberley Jean-Pierre and Sarah Clarke, who each shared their experiences at Stony Brook and how those experiences prepared them for their careers in Albany. The group also heard from Assemblymember Deborah Glick, who is chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, who provided an in-depth conversation on her background and what lead her into public service. The group then met with the S